TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey General Assembly introduced a resolution calling on the President and U.S. Congress to pass federal legislation granting amnesty and an eight-year path to citizenship for the more than 11 million undocumented immigrants currently residing in the United States.
Assembly Resolution 163, sponsored by Assemblywomen Ellen J. Park and Annette Quijano and Assemblyman Sterley S. Stanley, formally urges federal action modeled after the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which granted legal status to approximately three million immigrants who had entered the U.S. before 1982.
The resolution emphasizes that many undocumented immigrants have lived in the U.S. for over 16 years and face limited economic and civic participation due to their immigration status. It argues that offering a legal path to citizenship would increase tax revenue, reduce exploitation in the labor market, and integrate immigrants more fully into society.
The resolution also states that a majority of Americans support legalizing long-term undocumented residents and includes a call for stronger border protections alongside legalization efforts.
“Legalization and citizenship are essential to protecting and integrating immigrants into the fabric of American society,” the resolution reads.
If adopted, official copies will be sent to the President, Vice President, congressional leadership, and New Jersey’s congressional delegation.
The resolution urges federal lawmakers to take action on a national immigration overhaul with legalization at its center.
